Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops sp.)
6m
Dark bluish grey or brownish grey
cape, which is more pronounced in
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins
A sharp crease between the beak
and the forehead
A pronounced beak which varies in
thickness and length; it is generally more
slender and longer on Indo-Pacific than
common bottlenose dolphins Moderately long dark slender flippers
with pointed tips and a broad base
Males and females are difficult to distinguish at sea – but only females will accompany calves, and males may have more scarring
from aggressive interactions with other males.
Fun Facts
Bottlenose dolphins have a range of feeding
techniques: some use ‘tools’ like sponges to
protect their beaks when they dig in the sand,
others hunt in formation temporarily beach-
ing themselves to chase fish onto the land.
Many male dolphins have ‘toothrakes’
on their bodies - the result of ag-
gressive behaviour between males.
Adult length: 2.
Distribution: Worldwide (see map below and full list of countries in the detailed species
account online at: https://wwhandbook.iwc.int/en/species/bottlenose-dolphin)
A prominent recurved dorsal fin
with a slightly hooked tip and a
broad base
Thick tail stock
Underside can be off-white, light grey or
pinkish – and may be speckled in some
populations of Indo-pacific bottlenose
dolphins
Photos courtesy of Chris Parsons (Left), Chris Johnson (centre) and Fabian Ritter (right)
Bottlenose dolphins are often more approachable and more active than
other species of dolphins, sometimes engaging in aerial displays or ‘bow-
riding’ on the waves in front of vessels.
Adult weight: up to 230kg (male)
Newborn: 84-112cm /9-20kg
Threats: bycatch, contaminants, habitat loss
Habitat: estuarine, nearshore, continental shelf, offshore
Diet: fish, crustaceans, squid
IUCN Conservation status:
Common Bottlenose dolphin: Least Concern
Indo-Pacific bottlenose: Data deficient
Individual bottlenose dolphins can be recognised by the nicks and scars on
their dorsal fins, through a process called photo-identification. Some dol-
phins in well-studied populations have been re-sighted over periods of more
than 40 years. (photos Gianna Minton/WWF Gabon)
Blue whale global distribution. Adapted by Nina Lisowski from Jefferson, T.A., Webber, M.A. and Pitman, R.L. (2015).
“Marine Mammals of the World: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Identification,” 2nd ed. Elsevier, San Diego, CA.
Copyright Elsevier: http://www.elsevier.com.
There are two recognised species of bottlenose dolphins that occur in differ-
ent parts of the world –sometimes with overlapping ranges. These are the
common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and the Indo-Pacific bot-
tlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). There is also a great deal of variation be-
tween inshore and offshore populations of common bottlenose dolphins in
different parts of the world.